ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
ADB Financing to Support Urban Development in Nagaland
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank today signed a $2 million Project Readiness Financing  Loan for designing climate resilient urban infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity and improving municipal resource mobilization in 16 district headquarter towns  in Nagaland.
The signatories to the PRF for the proposed Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development Project were Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Shri Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission who signed for ADB.
After signing the Agreement, Shri Mishra said that the facility would support key preparatory activities for the ensuing project aimed at improving urban infrastructure and services in Nagaland to help the state realize its economic potential. He said that the Government of India is committed for development of NE region.
“The ADB financing will ensure high readiness of the ensuing project through preparing an urban sector strategy, undertaking feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs of selected subprojects and building capacity of state level agencies in project implementation, resource mobilization and anchoring reforms”, said Mr. Konishi.
Nagaland’s towns and cities face the long-term challenges of climate change, lack of basic amenities, poor connectivity. Major transport routes around urban areas are severely affected by landslides during the monsoon season. Urban roads are in poor condition without proper stormwater drainage. Most cities face acute water shortage and except Dimapur have inadequate sewerage or septage management system. All these issues constrain economic development of the state.
The PRF loan will help design water supply, sanitation, solid waste management and urban roads in 16 DTHs with climate resilient features and improved access to poor and vulnerable. Capacity building of state agencies will help augment own-resource mobilization by urban local bodies , improve their readiness for implementing the ensuing project and initiating sector and institutional reforms.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Enhanced Penalties Under Amended Motor Vehicles Act to Become Applicable from Next Month
Centre has Notified Some Provisions of the Act Today
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified today, through S.O. No 3110, the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 that will be applicable with effect from 1st of September 2019. These are provisions which require no further amendments in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989. Important among the provisions notified today are the provisions for enhanced penalties.
For the remaining provisions the Ministry has initiated the process of formulating draft rules. As and when the process is completed, the relevant provisions would be notified for implementation.
The attached table gives a brief of the provisions that have been notified today, and would be applicable from the 1st of September. To access, click the link below :
Cabinet
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Netherlands on cooperation in space technology
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Netherlands on cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. The MoU was signed on May 11 & 22, 2017 at Bangalore and The Hague respectively.
Benefits:
This MoU shall enable the following areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.
Modalities:
The MoU would lead to set up a Joint Working Group, drawing members from Department of Space/ Indian Space Research Organisation , and the Netherlands Space Office , which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU. It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
The MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited.
Background:
DOS/ISRO Centres have long association with ITC  Netherlands on capacity building; and with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute  for carrying out calibration/ validation experiments on earth observation. Antrix Corporation, the Commercial arm of Department of Space  launched a satellite belonging to the Netherlands  in April 2008. Officials of ISRO and the Netherlands Space Office  discussed on the modalities of building space cooperation between two countries. Accordingly, both sides arrived at mutually agreed version of MoU for cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-CMERI- Stepping towards a Shining North-East
CSIR-CMERI exhibited its Technologies in the ‘Conclave and Techno-Fair on Transforming Meghalaya State through Science and Technology Interventions’ organised by the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach , an autonomous body DST, Govt. of India at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya during the period 9th-10th April, 2021.
The technologies exhibited by CSIR-CMERI at the Conclave are the Ginger-Turmeric Processing Technologies, Municipal Solid Waste Management, Solar Tree and Artifacts, Complete Water Purification Technologies  & solutions, Effluent Treatment Plant, Hybrid Mini-Grid among others.
Shri M.S. Rao, IAS, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, visited the CSIR-CMERI exhibit & expressed a lot of interest in the CSIR-CMERITechnologies especially the Ginger-Turmeric Processing unit, Solar-based Hybrid Mini-Grid& municipal waste management. Shri Rao showed his interest to explore avenues for roping in CSIR-CMERI technologies for empowering Meghalaya and making it Sustainable. Shri Sanjib Dhar, Joint Secretary, Ri-Bhoi Farmers Union, Meghalaya shared their enthusiasm and amazement at the CSIR-CMERI Ginger-Turmeric Processing Technologies. They expressed their intent to visit CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur to understand more about the Sustainable Ecological Concepts and Farming Technological Advancements of CSIR-CMERI and help disseminate the same amongst the farming community of Meghalaya. Director, National Institute of Technology, Meghalaya and his teamdiscussed with officials of CSIR-CMERI for exploring opportunities for an MoU signing regarding Implementation of CSIR-CMERI Technologies in Meghalaya, Incubation of Start-Ups, Skill Development and Research Collaboration.
Dr. Atanu Saha, Director, North-East Council, had an elaborate discussion regarding CSIR-CMERI developed Technologies and its possibilities to be deployed in Meghalaya in cooperation with the respective state governments in North-East. Dr. Saha requested CSIR-CMERI to send detailed technical proposals to the Director, North-East Council for exploring avenues for implementation of the same in the North-East.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
MSP benefits and its concerns
The NITI Aayog  has conducted a study entitled “Efficacy of Minimum Support Prices on farmers”, in 2016. The study has found, among other things, that MSP declared by the Government has encouraged 78% of the farmers covered under the study for adopting improved methods of farming such as high yielding varieties of seeds, organic manure, chemical fertilizer, pesticides and improved methods of harvesting etc.
Government extends price support for paddy and wheat through the Food Corporation of India  and State Agencies. Under this policy, whatever food grains are offered by farmers within the stipulated period & conforming to the specifications prescribed by Government are purchased at MSP by the State Government agencies including FCI for Central Pool.
Additionally, Oilseeds, pulses and copra of Fair Average Quality  are procured from registered farmers under Price Support Scheme of the Umbrella Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan , as per its prescribed guidelines.
The Union Budget for 2018-19 had announced the pre-determined principle to keep MSP at levels of one-and-half times of the cost of production. Accordingly, Government has increased the MSPs for all mandated Kharif , Rabi and other commercial crops with a return of at least 50 per cent over all India weighted average cost of production from the agricultural year 2018-19.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Training of Unskilled People
The 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings  under the Administrative control of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, every year impart apprenticeship training under the Apprentice Act 1961 in various trades to unskilled youth, including the locals to improve their skills and enhance their employability into the industries in Defence Sector, including the small scale industries. Besides, DPSU Shipyards viz. Goa Shipyard Limited  and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited  have also set up Centre of Excellence at Society for Industrial & Technical Education Goa  and School of Welding and Piping respectively for training local students in the manufacturing of Ships and Submarines.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/Savvy
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for establishment of RashtriyaKamdhenuAayog for Conservation protection and development of cows and their progeny.
Impact:
The setting up of RashtriyaKamdhenuAayogwill lead to conservation, protection and development of cattle population in the country including development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
It will result in increased growth of livestock sector which is more inclusive, benefitting women, and small and marginal farmers.
The RashtriyaKamdhenuAayogwill work in collaboration with Veterinary, Animal Sciences or Agriculture University or departments or organizations of the Central/State Government engaged in the task of research in the field of breeding and rearing of cow, organic manure, biogas etc.
Background:
The creation of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for the conservation, protection and development of cows and their progeny will provide the policy framework and direction to the cow conservation and development programmes in the country and for ensuring proper implementation of laws with respect to the welfare of cows. It is in pursuance of the announcement of setting up of the Aayog in the Union Budget 2019-20.
AKT/SNC/SH
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Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
7 lakh members from over 1.20 lakh SHGs participated in the Maha-shramdaan activity in Gujarat
Joint effort with the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited 
In a joint effort with the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited , over 7 lakh members from over 1.20 lakh SHGs participated in the Maha-shramdaan activity. These members from various SHGs were already allotted areas where the sanitation drives were to be carried out. With preparations for over a week, the SHGs were enthusiastically waiting for this day to showcase their commitment towards Swachhata Hi Seva and the flagship mission of Swachh Bharat Mission .
The members of the SHGs divided themselves as per the need of the area that required cleaning and subsequent arrangements were made by the SBM district and cluster level team. Huge level of support and appreciation was provided by the GPs and people from villages who saw this commitment and zeal of these SHG members.
The State of Gujarat is proud to be associated with this vast network of dedicated women who always stand up to make the State proud. Apart from the shramdaan, the SHGs also took out rallies, conducted rounds of Swachhata pledge and public meetings to gauge the attention of the masses for better sanitation practices.
CB/GP/JD
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Ministry of Finance
Prompt investigation in fresh series of cases pertaining to ‘Panama Papers’
The fresh release made in the media today under ‘Panama Paper Leaks’ is being promptly looked into by the law enforcement agencies under the aegis of the Multi Agency Group  already constituted for facilitating coordinated and speedy investigation. As per the standard operating procedures in place for investigating such cases, examining the information revealed in the media release with the disclosures made by the alleged persons in the annual returns of income filed, particularly in the foreign assets  schedule, foreign remittance details etc. will be undertaken expeditiously, followed by raising of relevant queries. Subsequently, investigations in appropriate cases would be carried out to bring them to a logical conclusion.
The Panama Paper leaks were originally revealed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists , on 4thApril 2016. On the same day, the Government constituted the MAG, headed by Chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes  as its convener, comprising representatives of the Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate , Financial Intelligence Unit  and Reserve Bank of India .
The Panama Paper leaks involving 426 persons have been investigated by the Income Tax Department and other member agencies of MAG. Since the database released by ICIJ did not contain any financial details or details of beneficial ownership, these had to be sought from foreign jurisdictions under tax treaties in most cases. After thorough investigation, involving examination of the disclosures made in the ITRs particularly the FA schedule, residential status, responses to questionnaires issued, responses received from foreign jurisdictions and details of foreign remittances made, 352 cases were found to be non-actionable.
In the 74 cases found actionable, invasive actions were taken in 62 cases with searches conducted in 50 cases, and surveys in 12 cases leading to detection of undisclosed foreign investments of about Rs.1140 crore . In 16 cases criminal prosecution complaints have been filed in jurisdictional courts which are at various stages of hearing. In 32 cases notices under section 10 of the Black Money Act have been issued.
The investigations conducted in Panama Paper cases reflect the Government’s continued focus in dealing with Black Money stashed abroad. The promptness in action is more than evident as most of the actionable cases have been effectively addressed. Though the investigating agencies faced problems of incomplete data and absence of financial information as well as not very prompt cooperation from other countries, the overall outcome has been very satisfactory. Government would like to assure that the fresh series of Panama Papers information would also be effectively addressed within a reasonable time frame.
DSM/RM
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Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Central Government Civil pensioners can store Electronic PPO in Digi Locker
Digi Locker will result in Ease of Living for Civil Pensioners
It had come to the notice of the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare that several Pensioners, over a period of time, misplace the original copies of their Pension Payment Order  which, needless to say, is a very important original document. In the absence of their PPO, these pensioners have to face innumerable hardship at various stages of their retired life. For newly retiring officials, in view of the widespread Covid-19 pandemic, it was a dilemma to physically receive hard copies of the PPO.
Accordingly, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare  has decided to integrate the electronic Pension Payment Order  generated through PFMS application of CGA , with Digi Locker, in order to enhance Ease of Living of Central Government Civil Pensioners. This system will enable any Pensioner to obtain an instant print-out of the latest copy of their PPO, from their Digi Locker account. This initiative will create a permanent record of their respective PPO in their Digi Locker and at the same time eliminate delays in reaching the PPO to new Pensioners, as well as the necessity of handing over a physical copy. This was a target set to be accomplished for Civil Ministries by 2021-22, which the Department completed ahead of time in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This facility has been created with ‘Bhavishya’ software, which is a single window platform for Pensioners, right from the start of their Pension processing, till the end of the process. “Bhavishya” shall now provide an option to retiring employee, to link their Digi-locker account with their “Bhavishya” account and obtain their e-PPO in a seamless manner.
The following steps are required to store e-PPO in the Pensioner’s Digi Locker:
- Bhavishya” provides an option to retiring employees for linking their Digi-locker account with “Bhavishya” to get e-PPO.
- Above option is available to the retiree at the time of filling of retirement forms, as well as after submission of the forms.
- Retiree will sign into their Digi-locker account from Bhavishya and authorize Bhavishya to PUSH the e-PPO to Digi Locker.
- As soon as e-PPO is issued, it is automatically PUSHED into corresponding Digi locker account and the retiree is informed about the same through SMS and Email by Bhavishya.
- To view/download the e-PPO, retiree has to log into his Digi Locker account and simply click on the link.
The Administrative Divisions of all Ministries/Department and attached/subordinate offices have been requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all concerned for compliance.
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SNC
(Visitor Counter : 875
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles passing away of Dwarka Sharda Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of Dwarka Sharda Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"द्वारका शारदा पीठ के शंकराचार्य स्वामी स्वरूपानंद सरस्वती जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। शोक के इस समय में उनके अनुयायियों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं। ओम शांति!"
Ministry of Rural Development
Govt hikes MG-NREGS wages in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, average increase of Rs.20
Ministry of Rural Development released Rs.4,431 crore to States/UTs this week towards MG-NREGS wages & material arrears
With respect to COVID 19 pandemic, Department of Rural Development, GoI in close collaboration with State Governments has taken various initiatives. Mahatma Gandhi NREGS wages have been revised by Department of Rural Development, GoI with effect from 1st April, 2020. The average national increase is Rs 20. Focus of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS may be on individual beneficiary-oriented works which directly benefit SC, ST and women headed households as well as small & marginal farmers and other poor households. However, close consultation and guidance of the State as well as district authorities would be necessary to ensure that lock down conditions are not violated and norms of social distancing are scrupulously followed.
Ministry of Rural Development is according top priority to liquidate the wage and material arrears. An amount of Rs. 4,431 crore has been released in this week to various States/UTs to liquidate these liabilities of current fiscal year and the remaining such liabilities along with 1st tranche for the year 2020-21 will be released before 15th April, 2020. An amount of Rs. 721 crore has been released to State Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Ministry of Power
Union Power Minister dedicates eleven
Renewable Energy Management Centers  to the nation
Ministerof State  Power and New & Renewable Energy & Minister of State , Shri R. K. Singh inaugurated the Northern Region Renewable Energy Management Centre  at a function inNew Delhi, on 28th February, 2020. On the occasion, the Minister dedicated to the nation, eleven REMCs, placing India among a league of few nations, which have state-of-the-art management centers for renewable energy integration.
While speaking at the event Shri Singh congratulated all those who planned the Green Corridors and REMCs and said that they are showing more vision that was shown by Europe and Unites States when they started at renewable energy management.
The Government of India’s target of 175 GW RE Capacity by 2022 driving accelerated RE penetration poses challenges to the grid management due to intermittent and variable nature of RE generation. The renewable energy management centers are equipped with Artificial Intelligence based RE forecasting and scheduling tools and provide greater visualization and enhanced situational awareness to the grid operators. The Renewable Energy Management Centers  are co-located with the State Load DispatchCenters  in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat & Rajasthan and in RLDCs at Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi and at the NLDC. Presently, 55 GW of Renewable  is being monitored through the eleven REMCs.
Government of India had approved the implementation of the REMCs as a Central Scheme and had mandated POWERGRID, a Maharatna CPSE under Ministry of Power as Implementing Agency. These REMCs are being managed by Power System Operation Corporation of India Ltd.  at Regional and National level and at State level by State Load DespatchCentres .
During the event the minister also released a Report by POSOCO on “Analysis of Impact of Solar Eclipse – 26th Dec’19 on Indian Power System”. The report covered various areas such as solar generation forecasting, ramp estimation, behavior of PV plants during solar eclipse. The variation in Global Horizontal irradiance during solar eclipse for plants falling in annular and partial eclipse zone have been analysed in the report.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways achieves highest ever scrap sale in Financial Year 2020-21
Indian Railways earned total Rs 4573 Cr during 2020-21 through scrap sale
This is 5.5% higher compare to Rs 4333 Cr during 2019-20
Indian Railways makes all out efforts to optimally utilise resources by mobilising scrap materials and sale through e-auction
Indian Railways has achieved highest ever scrap sale in Financial Year 2020-21. Through this sale, Indian Railways earned total Rs 4573 Cr. during 2020-21 compare to Rs 4333 Cr. during 2019-20 which is 5.5% higher. This is the previous best was Rs 4409 Cr. in 2009-10. Indian Railways makes all out efforts to optimally utilise resources by mobilising scrap materials and sale through e-auction.
Generation and sales of unserviceable/scrap railway material is an ongoing process and is monitored at highest level in Zonal Railways and in Railway Board. Railway administration makes all out efforts to mobilise scrap materials and sale through e-auction. In construction projects, scrap is normally generated in Gauge Conversion projects. Released Permanent Way items being offered for scrap are not reusable on track. These are disposed off in accordance with the Codal provisions of Railways.